As you consider the all-important question of where your child should go to school, you might wonder: why should my child be part of a global education program? The answer is simple: it opens doors to new perspectives.
At Lycée Français de Chicago (LFC), a preK-12 school, students like senior Aoife Murray are part of a vibrant, diverse community where over eight languages are spoken in her class alone. “It’s really special,” Murray shares. “You get to learn so much from people’s backgrounds and experiences.”
For Murray, transitioning to the school after living in France gave her back that global feel she missed in a traditional school. “I missed hearing different languages and being surrounded by people from all over the world,” she says.
How does a global education broaden perspectives?
Murray and her classmates discuss everything from everyday teenage topics to major global events. “We can go from talking about video games to discussing world issues,” she says.
And while knowing French is not a requirement to attend LFC, an interest in having an international educational experience is a must. It’s this blending of perspectives that helps students understand global events in a way that textbooks simply can’t match.
Can a global education improve communication skills?
Yes! Murray says that being immersed in a global environment has sharpened her communication skills.
Whether she is writing a 4,000-word essay for her English-based International Baccalaureate program, speaking French with her math teacher or learning Turkish phrases from a new friend from Istanbul, global learning has taught her how to connect with people from all walks of life.
“Being able to navigate different cultural expectations is a skill I didn’t expect to develop,” she says, “but it’s been invaluable.”
At LFC, students are encouraged to communicate across cultures, which means developing a real-world understanding of how different people interact and how to adapt.
“My experience in the school’s diverse setting has made me more comfortable and confident speaking with anyone, from classmates to teachers and even new families visiting the school,” says Murray, who is also a Student Ambassador.
How does a global education shape future plans?
Thinking ahead? A global education prepares students to thrive in an interconnected world. For Murray, this experience has inspired her to look into universities abroad.
With the academic rigor of the IB (International Baccalaureate) program, and the cultural fluency she’s developed at LFC, Murray feels ready to take on new challenges. “I’ve gotten so much support from my teachers and classmates, and that’s pushed me to consider schools in the UK and Europe,” she says.
Wherever she goes, Murray says that her global education has given her the tools to succeed.
What kind of school community can my student expect?
One of the biggest misconceptions about global schools is that with so many different languages and cultures, students may feel disconnected from each other. But at LFC, Murray describes a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone.
“We’re all connected here,” she says. “Even if I’m not close friends with someone, we still say hi in the hallways.
“One of my best friends is from Turkey,” Murray adds. “We have bonded over our love of food. I’m learning so much about myself, her culture and even my own hometown by taking her around Chicago to explore different restaurants.”
Murray believes that her global education at Lycée Français de Chicago has shaped her life in ways that will stay with her long after she graduates. “My time at LFC has inspired me to travel so that I can keep exploring new cultures and pursuing new learning experiences. It’s opened my mind to the world.”
Discover more about Lycée Français de Chicago, an independent preK-12 international French school located on the north side of Chicago. No background in French is required for most grades, but interest in an international experience is a must.
